Gaming Commission to stop illegal gambling

The Gaming Commission of Ghana, the regulator of games of chance in the country, dedicated the month of September as an awareness month to promote responsible gaming and raise awareness of safer gaming tools, among other objectives.

The event, tagged "Embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) for a Sustainable Gaming Industry," was concluded at the Alisa Hotel on October 17, 2024.

The Commission believes that operators also have a duty to promote responsible gaming that protects players and the wider public through continuous improvement of their systems.

The Gaming Commission, a body that carries a substantial weight of responsibility in gaming, typically holds such awareness months to educate the public.

In his address, the Gaming Commissioner of Ghana, Peter Mireku, stated that operators also have a duty to promote responsible gaming that protects players and the general public through continuous improvement of their systems.

He emphasized that we cannot risk their future by allowing unqualified individuals to gamble, as it could become a habit or part of their lifestyle, potentially hindering their ability to become responsible leaders in the future.

Mireku added that under no circumstance should authorities remain aloof and watch illegal gamblers and children engage in gambling and betting openly. He emphasized the need for the Commission to work harder to clamp down on illegal gamblers and prevent young people below the gaming and betting age from participating.

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Dampare, who was part of the awareness campaign, believes that the state should invest more in awareness technology to prevent underage and unlicensed individuals from getting involved.

He called on people to respect the law and urged the gaming community not to allow children under 18 years to engage in gaming activities.

The IGP also committed to intensifying efforts to create an environment where gaming can thrive for economic development and social good while ensuring that unauthorized individuals and those below the betting age do not participate.

Various stakeholders, partners, and members of the gaming industry commended the Commission and pledged to work together to protect data collection and combat anti-money laundering in accordance with the laws of the country.